Athletic Report
February 1, 2001

TAMU-COMMERCE UPENDS GREYHOUNDS, 84-73
Garland Coleman Scores 28 in ENMU Loss
PORTALES, NM — Texas A&M University-Commerce built a 40-32 halftime lead and went on to defeat Eastern New Mexico University, 84-73, in a Lone Star Conference game, Feb. 1 at Greyhound Arena. With the win, TAMU-Commerce improved to 14-5 on the season, including 4-1 in the LSC South. ENMU dropped to 4-15, 1-4 in the LSC South.

Despite the loss, ENMU received a standout performance from freshman Garland Coleman (G/F, Chicago, IL/Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.). Coleman scored a career-high 28 points, sank 11 of 14 field goals and grabbed 8 rebounds. He was 6 of 8 at the line. TAMU-Commerce built its halftime lead by sinking 4 of 9 three-pointers and making 10 of 14 foul shots, while limiting ENMU to 1 of 5 three-pointers and 3 of 4 at the line.

The Lions committed just 6 first-half turnovers, while forcing 14 miscues by the Greyhounds. Coleman kept ENMU close with 19 first-half points. The Hounds also held a 22-17 rebounding edge at the half, while outshooting the Lions 46.7% (14 of 30) to 40.6% (13 of 32). The statistics were similar in the second half. TAMU-Commerce hit 20 of 25 free throws over the final 20 minutes, and eventually achieved its largest lead of the game, 76-63, with 3:07 left.

ENMU cut the deficit to eight points, 77-69, with 1:50 left, but never got closer. A&M-C finished 30 of 39 at the foul line and committed just 11 turnovers, while causing 24 turnovers by the Hounds.

ENMU partially offset its disadvantage in free throws and turnovers by gaining a 46.7% (28 of 60) to 38.7% (24 of 62) shooting edge plus a 44-33 rebounding margin. Coleman’s 28 points led all scorers.

Other ENMU players in double figures were Rudy Charles (Fr., G, Las Vegas, NV/Durango H.S.), with 16 points, and Kevin Iverson (Jr., G/F, Chicago, IL/Elgin C.C.), with 14 points. Charles also contributed 6 assists and 5 rebounds, while Iverson provided 6 boards. Zach Bullock (Fr., F/C, Fairbanks, AK/North Pole H.S.), making his first start at ENMU, grabbed 8 rebounds. Brenton Robinson (Jr., F/C, Tucson, AZ/Central Arizona) added 7 caroms.

Commerce received 23 points from Tyrone Palmer and 20 points from Carl Hawkins. Palmer also led the Lions with 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Hawkins grabbed 5 boards, supplied 4 assists, and was 12 of 14 at the line. Fabian Pittman provided 12 points for the Lions.

ENMU remains at home on Saturday, Feb. 3, when the Greyhounds will take on Texas A&M-Kingsville. Tipoff at Greyhound Arena is set for 8:00 p.m. (MST).